Hey,

This is my first post on this site, Im Scottish my husband is Irish and we've been living in Boston MA for 1 1/2 years. We are both early 30's with no kids as yet but hoping to have a family very soon.

We are moving to So Cal as my husband has been relocated with work to Irvine.......Ive got a couple questions.

In Boston there is a large British ex pat community that converses through social media. Can anyone recommend some for So Cal.

Im quite afraid of natural disaster probably after watching one too many movies but what should we be looking for in terms of safety when viewing flats to rent.....also areas that are considered toast should the Big One happen would be appreciated. Scary.

We haven't heard the best things about Irvine in terms of culture and things to do, while we still don't have kids we would like to be able to go out and socialize but were not super into exercise so wouldn't want to meet people to do sports, more into music and restaurants.
We had thought living slightly closer to LA may be good in terms of keeping us entertained but the commute is supposed to be soul crushing....any tips on good areas for bars, restaurants and cafes to live by but still be able to commute about 45 mins to Irvine would be appreciated. so 45 mins in any direction from Irvine.
I won't be working for the first while so lets not go crazy and mention places where we would be eating pot noodles to survive while living in a cute neighborhood

With respect, if the big one happens, everything west of the San Andreas fault will be toast - and that includes the entire Los Angeles area along with Irvine!

It's the wee hours of the morning on the US east coast (I can't sleep tonight), and it'll be another 5 or 6 hours before the US west coast starts to stir!

At any rate - from one Scot to another... best of luck to you!

Ian

Well if you do fancy popping to LA, we'll meet you! Similar ages, no kids, foodies. There's already a good expat community in LA. In any case, good luck!

Indeed. It's somewhat of a mute point if you're anywhere near the LA basin.

Agree with the other posters. Don't worry about the Big One because there's nothing you can do about it. Best way to prepare is to just have some emergency supplies and an emergency kit, and know what to do when the shaking starts.

The US is a first-world country with stringent earthquake building codes - as evidenced by what happened in Seattle back in, I think it was, 2001.

Alright! Im in, we've got a couple of friends in Malibu but it seems a bit of a trek to hang out regularly so will be mainly spending time in LA and the more vibrant areas.
I will DM you for my details

It won't allow me to privately message as Im a new member. Ill be able to after a few posts it seems.

With all due respect that is the second best way. Ian and I, and about 280 million other residents of the US have adopted the best way to prepare.

Come on Pulaski, tell us, what's the BEST way to prepare??

You already know the answer.. live in GA

....Oh

Or one of 48 other states. .... Though not all are equally effective for avoiding potentially catastrophic earthquakes.

Find who has the biggest stash of food and supplies and buy lots of guns. That's the American way to prepare.

Buying lots of guns isn't 'preparing' - it's just good fun

I just thought that was an added bonus.